Kathmandu, August 9
Heavy rainfall has led to significant road blockages across various regions in the country, severely impacting traffic on multiple highways. The police reported that roads such as the Mid Hill Highway in Tehrathum, the Araniko Highway in Sindhupalchok, the Mechi Highway in Ilam, and the Trishuli-Mailung-Safrubensi road in Rasuwa are among those affected by landslides and erosion.
In response to the heightened risk of flooding, authorities have imposed vehicle bans on certain road sections, including the BP Highway connecting Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli, from 6:00 PM to 4:00 AM, while allowing traffic from 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The situation is particularly dire on the Mechi Highway, where traffic has been completely halted due to slippery conditions.
Landslides have also caused complete blockages on several sections of the Araniko Highway, particularly in areas such as Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality and Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality. Additionally, the Trishuli-Mailung-Safrubensi road has been rendered impassable due to erosion, and the Bheri Corridor’s Jajarkot-Dolpa section is blocked by landslides. The police have urged travellers to check road conditions with relevant agencies before embarking on journeys, as the rainy season poses ongoing risks of landslides, floods, and road erosion.
